Spotlight: Cardiff

Cardiff is unique as it's big enough to be anonymous, but small enough to get from one end to the other in less than half an hour. It's compact, with all the benefits and buzz of a capital city, but no need to arrange a cup of coffee three weeks in advance!

Must
See Sight Though it isn't of historical significance, Cardiff Castle, smack bang in the middle of the city, is magical. There's a new gem there now too, located in the gardener's lodge. Pettigrew Tearooms offers afternoon teas, heavenly cakes and tea

Cardiff Castle

Predominant
Language English, but you may find yourself absorbed in the Welsh language, should you head to the Mochyn Du pub in Sophia Gardens, or Mimosa Kitchen and Bar in Cardiff Bay

Best
places for a single girl or groups of girls to go outSo spoiled for choices! Why not start your evening down in the Bay? Plenty of restaurants to choose from, and great cocktails in Mimosa, Ba Orient and Las Iguanas (catch the happy hour!)

The Hayes, what with the recent re-vamp, is a hub of cool bars/clubs: Barocco, Ten Ft Tall and Copa are all in this area.

For the original 'good time girl', St Mary's Street is the only destination. Here you'll find the staples: Flares, Reflex, Walkabout, Wetherspoons, and a brilliant bar called Bunkhouse. Just don't go there if you're tired, as it's furnished with VERY comfy beds.

Mill Lane houses the coolest (and priciest!) bars in Cardiff: Peppermint, Soda Bar and new addition Lab 22 on Caroline Street are among the best.

Cardiff Bay

On Windsor Place, the other side of town, you'll find Buffalo Bar. It specializes in great cocktails, but try to catch the happy hour as it's quite pricey.

Finally, the Vodka Revolution franchise has expanded—it now has two branches in the city centre, it's newest REVOLUCION DE CUBA specializes in rum! Really cool bar, capitalizing on the 'Mahiki' culture of cocktails in tin kettles and cups.

Pierhead Building with Millenium Center on the bay

Safety & Medical Tips

As with any city, stick to what you know. The city centre is generally safe, but if you're out in the Bay, be aware that the surrounding areas (eg., Butetown, Grangetown) aren't the friendliest of places for lone wanderers!

Elliw was born and raised in Rhiwlas, a little village near Bangor, in North Wales. She’s lived in Cardiff since 2006. She arrived for University, living in the Cathays area before moving to Canton in 2010. She now lives in Grangetown—with just Roath and Splott left she’ll have lived in every area of the city!